The ambitious National Waterways project in Kerala is set to achieve a significant milestone with the completion of a 235 km route from Akculam to Chettuva. This project is part of the larger West Coast Waterway initiative, which aims to develop a 590 km long channel system along the state’s coastline from Kovalam to Bekal. The goal is to enhance transportation, trade, and tourism in Kerala by 2026. The official commissioning of the route is expected to take place in April or May this year, benefiting tourism the most.
The West Coast Channel (WCC) spans from Kovalam in the south to Neeleswaram in the north, crossing 11 districts of Kerala. Plans are in place to widen the waterway to 40m and deepen it to 2.20m to accommodate increased freight movement. The 235 km stretch from Akculam to Chettuva is part of the national waterways project and is anticipated to be operational within the next two months. The state has invested approximately 300 crore rupees for the development of this segment.
In addition to infrastructure development, the project also includes a Phase II focusing on the relocation and rehabilitation of families living along the waterways. The Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) has approved an additional 247.3 crore rupees for the rehabilitation of 1,275 families along the Kovalam-Varcala stretch. The anticipated opening of the Post National Waterways route from Akkulam to Chettuva marks a significant step forward in Kerala’s waterway development efforts.
